Local psychology institution celebrates World Mental Health Day and anniversary

Days after World Mental Health Day, members of the Sandton-based tertiary institution, South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), were in a celebratory mood as they reached their 25th year milestone.

The first phase of the celebration kicked off with the head of the campus at the SACAP, Jogini Packery, welcoming all the guests to their humble abode.

She briefly touched on the history of the college which was first established back in 1997 in Cape Town. The second speaker to be welcomed on stage was the academic dean of the institution, Dr Jaclyn Lotter.

“For the past 25 years, SACAP has deliberately and carefully crafted an educational framework that has its roots firmly grounded within a community-based psychology and in particular, the applications thereof,” said Lotter. “We believe that the world needs graduates who will think both deeply, critically and creatively in formulating solutions to South Africa’s many and deep-seated systemic problems. Solutions that are innovative and most importantly, sustainable. We hope to equip more students with the knowledge and skills for another 25 years.”

The academic dean further stated that they are, as a collective, a person-centred institution and are hoping that their graduates contribute towards the healing of the country.

A tour around the campus was conducted by one of the representatives to showcase the daily routines of the students.

“We are a family; we work together, we support and care about each other and that is the beauty that we as students experience on a daily. I environment is welcoming once you engage,” said second year student, Jenna Germanus.

Related Article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/318027/mental-health-awareness-zoleka-mandela-uses-her-voice-so-others-dont-feel-alone/